Tasting Notes: Glen Grant’s Exploration Series showcases innovative cask selections and flavour experiments that depart from the distillery’s traditional, long-aged style. Series No. 1 sets the tone with a lively, contemporary expression that leans into Glen Grant’s naturally crisp, orchard-fruit spirit. Nose: Fresh green apple, ripe pear, and honeyed malt lift from the glass, joined by soft vanilla, citrus blossom, and a gentle herbal freshness. Hints of sweet oak and light floral notes add sophistication. Palate: Silky and vibrant with flavours of orchard fruit, creamy vanilla, and subtle honey. Mid-palate introduces soft spice, toasted almond, and a touch of lemon zest. The interplay of bourbon sweetness and bright Speyside malt creates a clean, uplifting profile. Finish: Crisp and elegant with lingering pear sweetness, gentle oak, and a whisper of soft spice.

Price: $143.99

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Tasting Notes: Yes, I probably have highlighted this bubbly in previous 'picks', but if you're looking for a mid range sparkling wine to celebrate the holidays, this one's hard to beat. José and Gloria Ferrer pioneered a new path of excellence from Spain to Sonoma back in 1982, and four years later founded the first sparkling winery in Carneros. Their commitment to quality has been a trademark ever since. 88% Pinot Noir, 12% Chardonnay. Color: 14K gold, golden apple juice. Aroma: baked apple, pear, quince, hint of ginger, toasted bread crust. Palate: full, with an expansive mousse, apple, toast, brown butter, roasted walnuts and pecans. Acidity holds it all beautifully. The bead is tight, vigorous and persistent: indicates the length of time the wine has aged on the lees (18 months according to the winemaker). Perlage is delicate and fine. Pair with appies (including but not limited to caviar!), chicken, turkey, ham, scrambled eggs for that decadent Christmas morning breakfast. Drink now.

Price: $37.99 750 ml

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Tasting Notes: Beloved around the world, Rombauer Chardonnay was first produced in 1982. It wasn’t until 1990, however, that Rombauer made their first Chardonnay from the Carneros region, where the San Pablo Bay meets the southern end of Napa and Sonoma valleys. The cool climate and specific soils of this region provide ideal conditions for this quintessential Carneros Chardonnay with the Rombauer hallmarks of intense fruit flavors balanced by fresh acidity. Aged for 9 months in American and French oak barrels (35% new). Winemaker Tasting Notes - Aromas of ripe peach and melon are found on the nose, interspersed with bright citrus notes. These continue to the palate where they are met by flavors of creamy vanilla and buttery nuances on the long finish. Rombauer’s signature bright acidity is evident throughout each sip, balancing the softness of the midpalate.

Price: $69.99

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Tasting Notes: A twist on the classic New Years bubbly! The Miss Molly Sparkling Shiraz has a deep ruby color and lovely bubbles. Made with Mollydooker's famous Boxer Shiraz where they re-ferment it to create Miss Molly's bubble in this beautiful sparkling wine. Although it is sparkling it is still a big Aussie shiraz at 14.5% ABV with a medley of dark berry, fresh plum, and subtle spice notes on the nose. Blackcurrant and plum, leaving a lingering finish of cocoa and vanilla cream on the palette. A delightful twist on Shiraz and bubbly, perfect for festive moments and lively gatherings!

Price: $34.99

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Tasting Notes: This is from 1.28 hectares, planted in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Twenty percent was aged in barrel, with the majority in tank. It’s a little closed initially, but it opens with air to reveal a distinctive and pure lemon-confit character. The finish has spicy oyster-shell notes and a lingering, zesty freshness. Chardonnay. Food Pairings: Shellfish (oysters, lobster, crab), Grilled fish and seafood Serve chilled (6-14°C). Enjoy now for freshness, with good potential to age for several years.

Price: $60.99

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Tasting Notes: PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur is a versatile spirit with a distinctive balance of sweet and tart pomegranate flavor, which comes from a blend of all-natural California pomegranate juice, premium vodka, and a touch of imported tequila. FORBIDDEN SOUR COCKTAIL: 1 ounce bourbon - 1 ounce Pama pomegranate liqueur - 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed - 1/2 ounce simple syrup - Add the bourbon, pomegranate liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.

Price: $42.00

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Tasting Notes: In salute to Dry January, I choose this beautiful artisanal dry gin handcrafted from the Bruichladdich Distillery. Known for its 22 unique, hand-foraged local botanicals alongside classic gin aromatics it results in layers of mint, citrus, floral, and spice notes, offering a smooth, rich, and layered drinking experience perfect for sipping neat or in cocktails like a martini. I prefer mine with a shot of sparkling water or even Prosecco and sometimes a drop or two of St Germain Elderflower Liqueur! Cheers!

Price: $56.99

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